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Record of Proceedings

Greenville City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026: Budget, ICE Policy Analysis, and Personnel Recognitions

City Council — Monday, May 11, 2026
BodyGreenville, North Carolina
SessionCity Council
DateMonday, May 11, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
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Transcript — Verbatim
0:45

I would like to call to order the May 11, 2026 meeting of the Greenville City Council.

0:52

I am Mayor Pro Tempton Foreman and will be presiding over tonight's meeting.

0:57

Councilmember Hardy will provide the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

1:02

Let us pray.

1:04

Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us here today.

1:07

We ask for your guidance, wisdom, and unity as we begin this meeting.

1:11

Help us to listen with open minds, speak with honesty, and work together with purpose and respect.

1:17

We also take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of those graduating from East Carolina University.

1:22

We thank you for your for their hard work, perseverance, and the support of their families, friends, professors, and mentors who helped them reach this milestone.

1:32

As they begin their new chapters in life, grant them confidence, integrity, and the courage to lead and serve others well.

1:39

Bless this meeting and everybody here present today.

1:42

May our decisions reflect wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in our community.

1:48

Amen.

1:49

Amen.

2:15

Yes, ma'am.

2:17

Mayor Connolly has let us know he will not be attending this evening.

2:20

Mayor for Tempan.

2:22

Here.

2:22

Councilmember Jones.

2:24

Here.

2:24

Councilmember Hardy.

2:25

Here.

2:26

Councilmember Stully.

2:27

Here.

2:27

Councilmember Robinson.

2:28

Here.

2:29

Councilmember Willis.

2:30

Here.

2:32

Thank you.

2:33

We will move on to the approval of the agenda.

2:36

Mr.

2:36

Manager, are there any recommended changes?

2:38

I have no changes.

2:39

Mayor Parkin.

2:41

Motion approved.

2:42

Second.

2:43

Motion made by Councilmember Hardy.

2:46

Second by Councilmember Robison.

2:48

All those in favor say aye.

2:50

Aye.

2:50

All those opposed.

2:52

Motion passes.

2:52

Six zero.

2:55

Now on to our public comment period.

2:58

The public comment period is a period reserved for comments by the public.

3:04

Oh, special recognition.

3:06

Okay.

3:07

Thank you.

3:09

I was going to skip it.

3:20

All right.

3:22

I'd like to ask Don Octagon and Deputy Chief Casey Thomas to come forward.

3:56

Tonight it is my honor to recognize both Don Ottagan and Deputy Chief Casey Thomas for the graduation from the UNC School of Government Municipal Administration course.

4:10

The course through the UNC School of Government spans seven months and involves approximately a hundred and sixty hours.

4:18

That's a lot of hours right there.

4:19

160 hours of instruction, reading, and casework.

4:23

The course is designed for managers and officials whose responsibilities require an understanding of the functions beyond individual areas of specialization.

4:33

Municipal officials must apply for the course and be accepted in order to participate.

4:39

The course says here is demanding.

4:49

Major subject areas are local government law, organization and management, my favorite finance and budgeting.

5:00

Public employment law, planning and regulation of development, and municipal and county services.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Public Safety█████████████████████████████29%
Fiscal Sustainability████████████████16%
Procedural████████████12%
Economic Development████████8%
Public Health████████8%
Historic Preservation██████6%
Public Transportation████4%
Personnel Matters████4%
Budget Equity Analysis███3%
Summary of Proceedings

Greenville City Council Meeting – May 11, 2026

The Greenville City Council met on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Pro Tem Tonya Foreman presided with Mayor P.J. Connelly absent. All six present council members (Foreman, Robinson, Hardee, Jones, Willis, Scully) voted unanimously on all consent items and routine actions. The meeting featured a presentation of the Fiscal Year 2026‑2027 proposed budget, a legal analysis of Philadelphia ICE policies and their applicability in North Carolina, and recognitions of staff and graduates.

Consent Calendar

  • Items 2–11 (approval of minutes; amendment of the 2026 meeting schedule; adoption of Code Supplement #2026‑S17; amendment of Personnel Policies; amendment of the 2010 Interlocal Tax Collection Agreement with Pitt County; dedication of right‑of‑way and easements for Mann Farm, Lot 2; agreement with Carolina Coastal Railway to replace a railroad crossing on Arlington Boulevard; declaring two Ford sedans as surplus for Pitt Community College BLET program; purchase of maintenance equipment for North Recreational Complex; and contract with SOVRA/International Database Corp. for a procurement and contract management system) were approved 6‑0.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Mary Blackburn (River Hills neighborhood) expressed concern over the removal of heritage Leyland cypress trees at the Mann Farm development site, urging the city to use incentives to preserve existing trees. She also advocated for accelerated installation of bus shelters, noting people waiting in sun and rain without adequate cover. She stated she supports paying taxes for such projects.
  • Sangita Tawari (Vice President, Downeast Community Tennis Association) thanked the council for proclaiming May as National Tennis Month, highlighted the health benefits of tennis (e.g., players live nearly 10 years longer), and announced that Greenville will host the USTA North Carolina State Championships for players 65+ from May 14–17, 2026, with 69 teams competing.

Discussion Items

Presentation of the FY 2026‑2027 Proposed Budget

Chief Financial Officer Jacob Joyner presented the proposed city operating budget of $195 million, with the general fund at $124 million. Key proposals:

  • Property tax rate maintained at 39.54 cents per $100 valuation (lowest among Pitt County and second‑lowest among benchmark peers).
  • Revenues: $5.1 million increase from property tax growth ($1.2M), sales tax increase ($4.2M), rescue transport fees ($0.57M), and departmental fees ($0.2M), offset by a $1M decrease in investment income.
  • Expenditures: 64% of the general funds core services (police, fire, parks, etc.); 63% spent on personnel. Highlights include:
    • 12 new fire‑rescue positions ($750,000).
    • Merit increases (1% average) and market adjustments (2.25% average) plus 401k contribution increase from 4% to 5%.
    • Class and compensation study implementation aiming to pay 5% above minimum salary bands.
    • $600,000 increase for fleet operations (fuel and parts).
    • $300,000 for EMS medical supplies (formerly provided by ECU Health).
    • $500,000 for ADA/sidewalk improvements (up $100,000).
    • $450,000 for CDBG and housing programs, plus $300,000 for the Affordable Housing Strategic Plan (up $100,000).
    • $250,000 to Pitt‑Greenville Airport Authority (new funding).
    • $100,000 for Pitt County Arts Council and greenway art.
    • $1 million in transit funding (increase from $750,000).
  • Debt: $20 million issuance in July for Town Common bulkhead and sports complex (complex debt paid from occupancy taxes).
  • Other funds: Sanitation fund includes year‑2 of a 3‑year rate increase (base rate to $20.25/month); stormwater fee stays at $9.35 per ERU.

Council members expressed support, noting the budget invests in employees, infrastructure, and quality of life while keeping the tax rate flat. Several highlighted the importance of smart growth to expand the tax base.

Budget Ordinance #10 (Amendment to FY 2025‑2026)

Joyner presented a mid‑year budget amendment to the general fund and special revenue grant fund:

  • $440,000 for surplus revenue and departmental adjustments.
  • $199,000 for Arlington Boulevard railroad crossing repair.
  • $27,700 for the 2025 Edward Byrne JAG grant.
  • $100,000 for small business assistance grants. The amendment increased the overall operating budget to $205.7 million. Approved 6‑0.

Presentation on Philadelphia ICE Policies and NC Legal Analysis

Assistant City Attorney Scott Dixon reviewed Philadelphia’s recently enacted ICE Out legislative package (adopted January 2026, signed by mayor except a mask ban ruled unconstitutional), including barring ICE from city property and limiting cooperation. He contrasted Pennsylvania’s home‑rule structure with North Carolina’s Dillon’s Rule and cited NC General Statute §168‑205.2, which prohibits cities from adopting policies that limit enforcement of federal immigration laws. He concluded that Greenville cannot mirror Philadelphia’s model because state law preempts such local actions. Council members discussed the legal constraints, the role of county vs. city responsibilities, and the importance of educating the public to reduce fear. No vote was taken; the presentation was informational.

Key Outcomes

  • Vote on Consent Agenda and Budget Ordinance #10: All votes were unanimous (6‑0).
  • Next Steps: The FY 2026‑2027 proposed budget will be presented in more detail by GUC, Shepherd Memorial Library, CVB, and Airport on May 14, 2026. A public hearing and adoption are scheduled for June 9, 2026.
  • Directives: City Manager Michael was asked to provide updates on bus shelter installation and the removal of dividers at bus stops, and to explore speed hump policies for neighborhoods. The council also noted ongoing work on code enforcement and short‑term rental regulation.

Special Recognitions

  • UNC School of Government Municipal Administration Course Graduates: Don Octigan and Deputy Chief KZ Thomas were recognized for completing a 160‑hour, 7‑month course. Council commended their commitment to professional development.
  • Interns for 2026 Summer: Five interns (Lauren Twine, Malia Pearson, Ben James, Mia Palmer, Hansford Curran) were introduced and will work on projects including community engagement, fire services planning, annexation policy, and transit merger analysis.

Meeting Transcript

I would like to call to order the May 11, 2026 meeting of the Greenville City Council. I am Mayor Pro Tempton Foreman and will be presiding over tonight's meeting. Councilmember Hardy will provide the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Let us pray. Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us here today. We ask for your guidance, wisdom, and unity as we begin this meeting. Help us to listen with open minds, speak with honesty, and work together with purpose and respect. We also take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of those graduating from East Carolina University. We thank you for your for their hard work, perseverance, and the support of their families, friends, professors, and mentors who helped them reach this milestone. As they begin their new chapters in life, grant them confidence, integrity, and the courage to lead and serve others well. Bless this meeting and everybody here present today. May our decisions reflect wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to making a positive difference in our community. Amen. Amen. Yes, ma'am. Mayor Connolly has let us know he will not be attending this evening. Mayor for Tempan. Here. Councilmember Jones. Here. Councilmember Hardy. Here. Councilmember Stully. Here. Councilmember Robinson. Here. Councilmember Willis. Here. Thank you. We will move on to the approval of the agenda. Mr. Manager, are there any recommended changes? I have no changes. Mayor Parkin. Motion approved. Second. Motion made by Councilmember Hardy. Second by Councilmember Robison. All those in favor say aye. Aye. All those opposed. Motion passes. Six zero. Now on to our public comment period. The public comment period is a period reserved for comments by the public. Oh, special recognition. Okay. Thank you. I was going to skip it. All right.

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